Arraial do Cabo vs Abrolhos Marine Park — Dive Destination Comparison

Arraial do Cabo (Brazil) scores 63.7/100 vs Abrolhos Marine Park's 61.0/100 in OkToDive's 12-category rating. Choose Arraial do Cabo for reef diving with 8–25m visibility. Choose Abrolhos Marine Park for reef diving at ~$120/dive.

Last updated: 2026-07-22

Side-by-side comparison

MetricArraial do CaboAbrolhos Marine Park
OkToDive Score63.7/10061.0/100
CountryBrazilBrazil
Visibility8--25m8--20m
Water temp16--26 C22--28 C
Max depth30m25m
Currentmoderatemoderate
Cost per 2-tank dive$75$120
Budget tierbudgetmid range
Best monthsMarch, April, MayJuly, August, September
Dive typesreef, wreck, cave, shorereef, wall
Min certificationOpen WaterOpen Water
Key speciessea turtle, seahorse, manta rayhumpback whale, brain coral (endemic), nurse shark
Google rating4.5 (380 reviews)4.6 (95 reviews)

Which should you choose?

Choose Arraial do Cabo when...

  • + Budget-conscious divers — avg $75/dive
  • + Wreck diving enthusiasts
  • + Couples where one partner doesn't dive

Skip if

  • - You hate cold water — temps drop to 16°C
  • - You need shore access — this is boat-only

Choose Abrolhos Marine Park when...

  • + Divers who prioritize reef diving
  • + Anyone visiting South America for the first time
  • + Groups seeking 12+ named dive sites in one area

Skip if

  • - You prefer uncrowded sites and this has 12+ named spots drawing traffic
  • - You need shore access — this is boat-only

Bottom line

Arraial do Cabo wins on overall score (63.7 vs 61.0), but the right choice depends on your priorities. Arraial do Cabo is more affordable ($75 vs $120/dive). Arraial do Cabo has better peak visibility (25m vs 20m).